Digital contents receiver, digital contents receiving method and digital contents transmitting and receiving method

ABSTRACT

In a digital contents receiver for receiving transmitted digital contents, the digital contents include at least component information indicating an element which constitutes a program of the contents. When the component information indicates that the received digital contents are a 3D component, it is determined whether a display part corresponds to display of the 3D component. If the display part corresponds to display of the 3D component, the received digital contents are displayed in 3D.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/804,668 filed Jul. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/089,519 filed on Apr. 19, 2011 (now U.S.Pat. No. 9,118,896), which claims benefit of priority to the Japaneseapplications, JP 2010-097498 filed on Apr. 21, 2010 and JP 2010-097499filed on Apr. 21, 2010, the contents of all of which are herebyincorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a broadcast receiver, receiving methodand transmitting and receiving method of a three-dimensional (hereafterabbreviated to 3D) video.

In JP-A-2003-9033, it is described that the problem to be solved is “toprovide a digital broadcast receiver which actively notifies a user thata program which the user wants will start on a certain channel or thelike” (see [0005] in JP-A-2003-9033). In JP-A-2003-9033, it is alsodescribed that means for solving the problem is “to include means fortaking out program information included in a digital broadcasting waveand selecting a notification object program by using selectioninformation registered by the user, and means for displaying a messagenotifying existence of the selected notification object program in aninterrupt form on a screen which is being displayed” (see [0006] inJP-A-2003-9033).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In JP-A-2003-9033, however, there is no disclosure concerning viewing of3D contents. Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot be recognizedthat a program which is now being received by a receiver or a programwhich will be received by the receiver in the future is a 3D program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, according to anembodiment of the present invention, for example, identificationinformation including program contents which contain video informationand information identifying whether the program contents are 2D programcontents or 3D program contents is received, and video processing ofvideo information of the program contents is changed according to thereceived identification information.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to recognizethat a program which is now being received by a receiver or a programwhich will be received by the receiver in the future is a 3D program andit becomes possible to enhance the convenience of the user.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following description of the embodiments of theinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram showing a configuration exampleof a system;

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram showing a configuration exampleof a transmitter 1;

FIG. 3 shows an example of assignment of stream form types;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a structure of a component descriptor;

FIG. 5A shows examples of component contents and a component type whichare components of a component descriptor;

FIG. 5B shows examples of component contents and a component type whichare components of a component descriptor;

FIG. 5C shows examples of component contents and a component type whichare components of a component descriptor;

FIG. 5D shows examples of component contents and a component type whichare components of a component descriptor;

FIG. 5E shows examples of component contents and a component type whichare components of a component descriptor;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a structure of a component descriptor;

FIG. 7 shows examples of a component group type;

FIG. 8 shows examples of component group identification;

FIG. 9 shows examples of accounting unit identification;

FIG. 10 shows an example of a structure of a 3D program detaildescriptor;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing examples of a 3D method type;

FIG. 12 shows an example of a structure of a service descriptor;

FIG. 13 shows examples of a service form type;

FIG. 14 shows an example of a structure of a service list descriptor;

FIG. 15 shows examples of a sending operation rule of a componentdescriptor in a transmitter 1;

FIG. 16 shows examples of a sending operation rule of a component groupdescriptor in a transmitter 1;

FIG. 17 shows examples of a sending operation rule of a 3D programdetail descriptor in a transmitter 1;

FIG. 18 shows examples of a sending operation rule of a servicedescriptor in a transmitter 1;

FIG. 19 shows examples of a sending operation rule of a service listdescriptor in a transmitter 1;

FIG. 20 shows examples of processing for respective fields in acomponent descriptor in a receiver 4;

FIG. 21 shows examples of processing for respective fields in acomponent group descriptor in a receiver 4;

FIG. 22 shows examples of processing for respective fields in a 3Dprogram detail descriptor in a receiver 4;

FIG. 23 shows examples of processing for respective fields in a servicedescriptor in a receiver 4;

FIG. 24 shows examples of processing for respective fields in a servicelist descriptor in a receiver 4;

FIG. 25 is an example of a configuration diagram of a receiver accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an example of a schematic diagram of a CPU internal functionblock diagram in a receiver according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller;

FIG. 28 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 29 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 30 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 31 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 32 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller at thetime of start of the next program;

FIG. 33 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 34 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 35 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller beforestart of a program;

FIG. 36 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afterstart of a program;

FIG. 37 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 38 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afteruser's selection;

FIG. 39 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 40 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afteruser's selection;

FIG. 41 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afterstart of a program;

FIG. 42 shows an example of message display;

FIG. 43 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afterstart of a program;

FIG. 44 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afterstart of a program;

FIG. 45 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afteruser's selection;

FIG. 46 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afterstart of a program; and

FIG. 47 shows an example of a flow chart of a system controller afteruser's selection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.However, the present invention is not restricted to the presentembodiment. In the present embodiment, a receiver is mainly described.The present embodiment is suitable for implementation in receivers.However, application of the present invention to uses other thanreceivers is not hindered. Furthermore, it is not necessary to adopt allof the configurations of the embodiment, but choice is possible.

<System>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a systemaccording to the present system. The case where information istransmitted/received by broadcast and recorded/reproduced isexemplified. However, transmission/reception of information is notrestricted to broadcast, but VOD (Video on Demand) may be used. They aregenerally referred to as delivery.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a transmitter installed in an informationproviding station such as a broadcasting station, 2 a relay apparatusinstalled in a relay station or a broadcasting satellite, 3 a publicline network coupling an ordinary home to a broadcasting station, suchas the Internet, 4 a receiver installed in a user's house, and 10 areceiving recording/reproducing device incorporated in the receiver 4.The receiving recording and reproducing unit 10 can record and reproducebroadcasted information or can reproduce contents supplied from aremovable external medium.

The transmitter 1 transmits a modulated signal radio wave via the relayapparatus 2. Instead of the transmission using a satellite shown in FIG.1, for example, transmission using a cable, transmission using atelephone line, transmission using terrestrial wave broadcasting,transmission via a network such as the Internet using the public linenetwork 3, or the like may also be used. The signal radio wave receivedby the receiver 4 is demodulated and then a resultant information signalis recorded on a recording medium as occasion demands as describedlater. Or in the case where information is transmitted via the publicline network 3, the information is converted to a form such as a dataform (IP packets) based on a protocol (for example, TCP/IP) suitable forthe public line network 3, and the receiver 4 which has received thedata decodes the data to an information signal, yields a signal suitablefor recording, and records the signal on a recording medium as occasiondemands. Furthermore, if a display is incorporated in the receiver 4,the user can view and listen to a video and an audio represented by theinformation signal by means of the display. Unless a display isincorporated in the receiver 4, the user can connect the receiver to adisplay which is not illustrated and view and listen to a video and anaudio represented by the information signal by means of the display.

<Transmitter>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of thetransmitter 1 included in the system shown in FIG. 1.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a source generator, 12 an encoder forconducting compression in accordance with MPEG2 or H.264 method andadding program information or the like, 13 a scrambler, 14 a modulator,15 a transmission antenna, and 16 a management information provider.Video and audio information generated by the source generator 11 formedof a camera, a recorder/reproducer, or the like is subject to dataquantity compression in the encoder 12 in order to make it possible totransmit the information in a narrower occupied bandwidth. Theinformation is subject to transmission encryption in the scrambler 13 asoccasion demands in order to make it possible for specific viewers toview the information. The information is subject to modulation such asthe OFDM, TC8PSK, QPSK, or multi-value QAM in the modulator 14 in orderto become a signal suitable for transmission. Then the information istransmitted from the transmission antenna 15 toward the relay apparatus2 as a radio wave. At this time, the information is provided in themanagement information provider 16 with program specific informationsuch as attributes of the contents generated by the source generator 11(such as, for example, video and audio coded information, audio codedinformation, a program configuration, and whether the information is a3D video). The information is provided with program arrangementinformation generated by a broadcasting station (such as, for example, aconfiguration of a current program or the next program, a service form,or configuration information of programs corresponding to one week) orthe like as well. Hereafter, the program specific information and theprogram arrangement information are collectively referred to as programinformation.

By the way, a plurality of kinds of information are often multiplexed onone radio wave by using a method such as time division or spreadspectrum. In this case, there are a plurality of systems each includingthe source generator 11 and the encoder 12, and a multiplexer formultiplexing the plurality of kinds of information is disposed betweenthe encoders 12 and the scrambler 13.

As for the signal to be transmitted via the public line network 3 aswell, the signal generated by the coder 12 is encrypted in an encryptionunit 17 as occasion demands in order to make it possible for specificviewers to view the information in the same way. The signal is coded ina communication path coder 18 in order to become a signal suitable fortransmission. Then the signal is transmitted from a network I/F(interface) 19 toward the public line network 3.

<3D Transmission Method>

The transmission method of a 3D program transmitted from the transmitter1 is broadly divided into two methods. In one of the methods, theexisting broadcasting method of a 2D program is used and videos for theleft eye and the right eye are contained in one image. In this method,the existing MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) or H.264 AVC(Advanced Video Coding) is utilized as the video compression method. Asfor its features, there is interchangeability with existingbroadcasting, the existing relay infrastructures can be utilized, andreception in the existing receiver (such as the STB (Set Top Box)) ispossible. However, the 3D video is transmitted with half of the highestresolution of the existing broadcasting (in the vertical direction orthe horizontal direction). For example, there are the “side-by-side”method in which the video is divided into left and right parts andhoused, the “top-and-bottom” method in which the video is divided intoupper and lower parts and housed, the “field alternative” method inwhich the video is housed by utilizing the interlace, the “linealternative” method in which videos for the left eye and the right eyeare housed respectively in alternate scanning lines, and the“left+depth” method in which a two-dimensional (one side) video anddepth (distance to the subject) information of each pixel are housed. Inthese methods, one image is divided into a plurality of images andimages of a plurality of viewpoints are housed. As for the coding methoditself, therefore, the MPEG2 or H.264 AVC (except MVC (Multi ViewCoding)) coding method which is not originally the multiple viewpointvideo coding method can be used intact. This results in a merit that 3Dprogram broadcasting can be conducted by utilizing the existing 2Dprogram broadcasting method.

As the other of the above-described two methods, there is the “framepacking” method in which videos for the left eye and the right eyes aretransmitted. The “frame packing” method has no interchangeability withthe existing 2D program broadcasting method. In this method, forexample, H.264 MVC which is the multi view coding method is used as thevideo compression method. Its feature is that a 3D video of highresolution can be transmitted. Use of this method brings about an effectthat a 3D video of high resolution can be transmitted. The multi viewcoding method is a coding method standardized to code a multi viewvideo. In the multi view coding method, a multi view video can be codedwithout dividing one image every viewpoint, and a different image iscoded every viewpoint.

Even if an coding method such as the MPEG2 or H.264 AVC (except MVC)coding method which is not originally an coding method prescribed as themulti view coding method is not used, display in the “frame packing” isalso possible by generating a stream which houses a video for the lefteye and a frame for the right eye alternately.

<Program Information>

The program specific information and the program arrangement informationare referred to as program information.

The program specific information is referred to as PSI as well. Theprogram specific information is information required to select a desiredprogram. The program specific information includes four tables: a PAT(Program Association Table) which specifies a packet identifier of a TSpacket for transmitting a PMT (Program Map Table) relating to abroadcasting program; a PMT (Program Map Table) which specifies a packetidentifier of a TS packet for transmitting coded signals forming thebroadcasting program and a packet identifier of a TS packet fortransmitting common information included in relating information ofcharged broadcasting; an NIT (Network Information Table) fortransmitting information which relates information of s transmissionline such as a modulation frequency to a broadcasting program; and a CAT(Conditional Access Table) specifying a packet identifier of a TS packetwhich transmits individual information included in relating informationof charged broadcasting. The program specific information is prescribedby the MPEG2 system standards. For example, the program specificinformation includes video coded information, audio coded information,and a program configuration. In the present invention, in addition,information indicating whether the video is 3D video is newly includedin the program specific information. The PSI is added by the managementinformation provider 16.

The program arrangement information is called SI (Service Information)as well. The program arrangement information is various kinds ofinformation prescribed for convenience of program selection. The PSIinformation in the MPEG2 system standards is also included in theprogram arrangement information. The various kinds of informationinclude an EIT (Event Information Table) which describes informationconcerning a program such as a program name, broadcasting date, andprogram contents, and an SDT (Service Description Table) which describesinformation concerning a service such as a service name and abroadcasting service provider name.

The program arrangement information includes, for example, informationwhich indicates configurations of a program which is now beingbroadcasted and a next program which will be broadcasted, a serviceform, and configuration information of programs corresponding to oneweek. The information is added by the management information provider16.

The program information includes a component descriptor, a componentgroup descriptor, a 3D program detail descriptor, a service descriptor,and a service list descriptor. These descriptors are described in tablessuch as the PMT, EIT [schedule basic/scheduleextended/present/following], NIT, and SDT.

As for proper use of the tables PMT and EIT, for example, onlyinformation of a program which is now being broadcasted is described inthe PMT and consequently information of programs which will bebroadcasted in the future cannot be confirmed. However, there arefeatures that the time taken until reception is completed is shortbecause the period of transmission from the transmission side is short,and reliability is high in the sense that there are no changes becausethe PMT represents information of the program which is now beingbroadcasted. On the other hand, as for EIT [schedule basic/scheduleextended], information corresponding to seven days to come can beacquired besides the program which is now being broadcasted. However,there are demerits that the time taken until reception is completed islong because the period of transmission from the transmission side islonger as compared with the PMT, a large storage area needs to beretained, and reliability is low in the sense that there is apossibility of being changed because the EIT represents events in thefuture. As for EIT [following], information of a program in the nextbroadcasting time can be acquired.

The PMT in the program specific information can indicate a form of an ES(Elementary Stream) of a program which is now being broadcasted by usinga table structure prescribed by ISO/IEC 13818-1 and a stream_type(stream form type) which is 8-bit information described in a 2nd loop (aloop of every ES) of the structure as shown in FIG. 3. “MVC video streamprescribed by ITU-T recommendations H.264 ISO/IEC 14496 vide” (theso-called “H.264 MVC” stream indicating a multiple viewpoint coded videostream which can be used in a 3D video program is assigned to 0x1F.Although it has been described that the “MVC video stream” is assignedto 0x1F, it may be assigned to one of 0x20 to 0x7E. Furthermore, the MVCvideo stream is a mere example, and a video stream other than the MVCmay be used as long as a multiple viewpoint coded video stream which canbe used in a 3D video program is indicated.

As described heretofore, the receiver 4 monitors the stream_type and thereceiver 4 can recognize that the program is a program corresponding toa multiple viewpoint coded video if the stream_type is 0x1F (multipleviewpoint coded video stream). In the case of a broadcast operationmethod in which a multiple viewpoint coded video stream is used only ina 3D video program, the receiver 4 can recognize that a program which isbeing received is a 3D program, on the basis of the stream_type,resulting in an effect.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a structure of a component descriptor whichis one of program information. The component descriptor indicates a typeof a component (an element which constitutes a program such as, forexample, a video, an audio, a character, and various data), and thecomponent descriptor is utilized to represent an elemental stream in acharacter form as well. This descriptor is disposed in the PMT and/orEIT.

Meaning of the component descriptor will now be described. A field“descriptor_tag” is an 8-bit field, and a value which makes it possibleto recognize the descriptor as the component descriptor is described inthe field. A field “descriptor_length” is an 8-bit field, and a size ofthe descriptor is described in the field. A field “stream_component”(component contents) is a 4-bit field, and it represents a stream type(video, audio, and data) and it is coded in accordance with FIG. 4. Afield “component_tag” (component tag) is an 8-bit field. A componentstream of the service can refer to description contents (FIG. 5)indicated by the component descriptor by means of the 8-bit field.

In a program map section, values of component tags given to streamsshould be different values. The component tag is a label for identifyingthe component stream, and the component tag has the same value as thecomponent tag in a stream identification descriptor (however, in thecase where there is the stream identification descriptor in the PMT). A24-bit field in ISO_639_language_code (language code) identifies alanguage of a component (an audio or data) and a language of a characterdescription included in the descriptor.

The language code is represented by a three-alphabetic-letter codeprescribed in ISO 639-2 (22). Each letter is coded by 8 bits inaccordance with ISO 8859-1 (24), and the letters are inserted into a24-bit field in that order. For example, Japanese is “jpn” in thethree-alphabetic-letter code, and coded as follows: “0110 1010 0111 00000110 1110.” A field “text_char” (component description) is an 8-bitfield. A series of component description fields prescribe characterdescription of the component stream.

FIGS. 5A to 5E show examples of the “stream_content” (componentcontents) and “component_type” (component type), which are components ofthe component descriptor. Component contents “0x01” shown in FIG. 5Arepresent various video formats of a video stream compressed in theMPEG2 form.

Component contents “0x05” shown in FIG. 5B represent various videoformats of a video stream compressed in the AVC form. Component contents“0x06” shown in FIG. 5C represent various video formats of a 3D videostream compressed in the H.264 MVC form.

Component contents “0x07” shown in FIG. 5D represent various videoformats of a stream in a side-by-side form of a 3D video compressed inthe MPEG2 or H.264 AVC form.

Component contents “0x08” shown in FIG. 5E represent various videoformats of a stream in a top-and-bottom form of a 3D video compressed inthe MPEG2 or H.264 AVC form.

As shown in FIG. 5D or FIG. 5E, a combination representing whether thevideo is a 3D video, a method of the 3D video, a resolution, and anaspect ratio is indicated by a combination of the “stream_content”(component contents) and “component_type” (component type), which arecomponents of the component descriptor. Owing to such a configuration,it becomes possible to transmit information of various video methodsincluding the 2D program/3D program identification with a small amountof transmission quantity even for mixed broadcasting of 3D and 2D.

Especially in the case where a 3D video program is transmitted withimages of a plurality of viewpoints included in one image based on theside-by-side form or top-and-bottom form by using a coding method suchas the MPEG2 or H.264 AVC (except MVC) which is not originally a codingmethod prescribed as the multiple viewpoint coding method, it isdifficult to discriminate whether images of a plurality of viewpointsare included in one image for a 3D video program and transmitted or theimage is an ordinary image of one viewpoint on the basis of only theabove-described “stream_type” (stream form type). In this case,therefore, discrimination of various video methods including whether theprogram is a 2D program/3D program should be conducted on the basis of acombination of “stream_content” (component contents) and“component_type” (component type).

As described heretofore, the receiver 4 monitors “stream_content” and“component_type.” This brings about an effect that a program which isnow being received or which will be received in the future can bediscriminated to be a 3D program.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a structure of the component group descriptorwhich is one of the program information. The component group descriptordefines and discriminates a combination of components in an event. Inother words, the component group descriptor describes groupinginformation of a plurality of components. The component group descriptoris disposed in the EIT.

Meaning of the component group descriptor will now be described. First,“descriptor_tag” is an 8-bit field, and a value which makes it possibleto recognize the descriptor as the component group descriptor isdescribed in the field. A field “descriptor_length” is an 8-bit field,and a size of the descriptor is described in the field. A field“component_group_type” (component group type) is an 8-bit field, and acomponent group type is represented in accordance with FIG. 7.

The component group type “001” represents a 3D TV (television) service,and it is distinguished from a multiview TV service represented by“000.” The multiview TV service is a TV service capable of changing over2D videos of a plurality of viewpoints every viewpoint and displaying aresultant 2D video. For example, in the multiple viewpoint coded videostream or a stream of a coding method which is not originally a codingmethod prescribed as the multi view coding method, images of a pluralityof viewpoints are included in one screen and transmitted in some cases.The stream is used not only in a 3D video program but also in amultiview TV program in some cases. In this case, it might be impossibleto discriminate whether the program is a 3D video program or a multiviewTV program only on the basis of the stream_type (stream form type). Insuch a case, discrimination using the “component_group_type” (componentgroup type) is effective. A flag “total_bit_rate_flag” (total bit rateflag) is a 1-bit flag, which represents a description state of a totalbit rate in a component group in an event. If this bit is “0,” it isindicated that a total bit rate field in the component group does notexist in the descriptor. If this bit is “1,” it is indicated that atotal bit rate field in the component group exists in the descriptor. Afield “num_of_group” (the number of groups) is a 4-bit field, and itindicates the number of component groups in the event.

A field “component_group_id” (component group identification) is a 4-bitfield, which describes component group identification in accordance withFIG. 8. A field “num_of_CA_unit” (the number of accounting units) is a4-bit field, which indicates the number of accounting/nonaccountingunits in the component group. A field “CA_unit_id” (accounting unitidentification) is a 4-bit field, and an accounting unit identificationto which the component belongs is described in the field in accordancewith FIG. 9.

A field “num_of_component” (the number of components) is a 4-bit field,and the number of components which belong to the component group andbelong to an accounting/nonaccounting unit indicated by immediatelypreceding “CA_unit_id” is indicated in the field. A field“component_tag” is an 8-bit field, which indicates a component tag valuebelonging to the component group.

A field “total_bit_rate” (total bit rate) is an 8-bit field, and thetotal bit rate of components in the component group is described in thefield by raising the transmission rate of transport stream packets to aunit every ¼ Mbps. A field “text_length” (component group descriptionlength) is an 8-bit field, which represents a byte length of subsequentcomponent group description. A field “text_char” (component groupdescription) is an 8-bit field. A series of character information fieldsdescribe description concerning the component group.

As heretofore described, the receiver 4 monitors the“component_group_type.” This brings about an effect that the programwhich is being received or which will be received in the future can bediscriminated to be a 3D program.

An example using a new descriptor which indicates information concerninga 3D program will now be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of astructure of the 3D program detail descriptor which is one of theprogram information. The 3D program detail descriptor indicates detailinformation in the case where the program is a 3D program, and the 3Dprogram detail descriptor is utilized for judging the 3D program in thereceiver. This descriptor is disposed in the PMT and/or the EIT. The 3Dprogram detail descriptor may coexist with the “stream_content”(component contents) and “component_type” (component type) for 3D videoprogram shown in FIG. 5C to 5E and already described. However, aconfiguration in which the “stream_content” (component contents) and“component_type” (component type) for 3D video program are nottransmitted by transmitting the 3D program detail descriptor may beadopted. Meaning of the 3D program detail descriptor will now bedescribed. First, if a configuration in which the 3D program detaildescriptor is transmitted in the case of a 3D video program and the 3Dprogram detail descriptor is not transmitted in the case of a 2D videoprogram is adopted, it becomes possible to discriminate whether theprogram is a 2D video program or a 3D video program on the basis of onlywhether there is the 3D program detail descriptor. A field“descriptor_tag” is an 8-bit field, and a value (for example, 0xE1)which makes it possible to recognize the descriptor as the 3D programdetail descriptor is described in the field. A field “descriptor_length”is an 8-bit field, and a size of the descriptor is described in thefield.

A field “3d_method_type” (3D method type) is an 8-bit field, whichrepresents a 3D method type in accordance with FIG. 11. 0x01 representsthe frame packing method, 0x02 represents the side-by-side method, and0x03 represents the top-and-bottom method. A field “stream_type” (streamform type) is an 8-bit field, which indicates the ES form of the programin accordance with FIG. 3 described above.

A field “component_tag” (component tag) is an 8-bit field. The componentstream of service can refer to description contents (FIGS. 5A to 5E)indicated by the component descriptor, by means of this 8-bit field. Inthe program map section, values of the component tag given to streamsshould be different values. The component tag is a label for identifyingthe component stream, and the component tag has the same value as thecomponent tag in the stream identification descriptor (however, in thecase where there is the stream identification descriptor in the PMT).

As heretofore described, the receiver 4 monitors the 3D program detaildescriptor. This brings about an effect that the program which is beingreceived or which will be received in the future can be discriminated tobe a 3D program if the descriptor exists. In addition, if the program isa 3D program, it becomes possible to discriminate the type of the 3Dtransmission method.

An example of discriminating whether the video is a 3D video or a 2Dvideo by taking service as the unit will now be described. FIG. 12 showsan example of a structure of the service descriptor which is one of theprogram information. The service descriptor represents a service nameand its service provider name together with a service form type by usingcharacter codes. This descriptor is disposed in the SDT.

Meaning of the service descriptor will now be described. A field“service_type” (service form type) is an 8-bit field, which represents akind of service in accordance with FIG. 13. “0x11” represents 3D videoservice. An 8-bit field “service_provider_name_length” (service providername length) represents a byte length of a subsequent service providername. A field “char” (character code) is an 8-bit field. A series ofcharacter information fields represent a service provider name or aservice name. An 8-bit field of “service_name_length” (service namelength) represents a byte length of a subsequent service name.

As described heretofore, the receiver 4 monitors the “service_type.”This brings about an effect that the service is discriminated to be achannel of a 3D program. If it can be discriminated in this way whetherthe service is a 3D video service or a 2D video service, display thatthe service is 3D video program broadcast service becomes possible in,for example, EPG display or the like. Even in a service which mainlybroadcasts 3D video programs, however, a 2D video must be broadcasted insome cases such as in the case where the source of a commercial video isonly a 2D video. Therefore, it is desirable to use discrimination of a3D video service using the “service_type” (service form type) in theservice descriptor jointly with discrimination of a 3D video programusing the combination of the “stream_content” (component contents) andthe “component_type” (component type), discrimination of a 3D videoprogram using the “component_group_type” (component group type), ordiscrimination of a 3D video program using the 3D program detaildescriptor, which are already described. In the case wherediscrimination is conducted by combining a plurality of kinds ofinformation, discrimination that the service is a 3D video broadcastingservice, but only a partial program is a 2D video also becomes possible.If such discrimination can be conducted, then it can be expressedclearly in the receiver by using, for example, the EPG that the serviceis a “3D video broadcasting service” and it becomes possible to changeover the display control according to whether the program is a 3D videoprogram or a 2D video program, for example, when receiving the programas occasion demands, even if a 2D video program is mixedly present inthe service besides a 3D video program.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a structure of a service list descriptorwhich is one of the program information. The service list descriptorprovides a list of services using service identification and a serviceform type. In other words, a list of subchannels and their types isdescribed. This descriptor is disposed in the NIT.

Meaning of the service list descriptor will now be described. A field“service_id” (service identification) is a 16-bit field, which uniquelyidentifies information service in the transport stream. The serviceidentification is equal to a broadcasting program number identification(program_number) in the corresponding program map section. A field“service_type” (service form type) is an 8-bit field, which represents aservice kind in accordance with FIG. 13 described above.

It is possible to discriminate whether the service is “3D videobroadcasting service” on the basis of the “service_type” (service formtype). For example, therefore, it becomes possible to conduct display ofgrouping only “3D video broadcasting service” in the EPG display byusing a list of channels/subchannels and their types indicated in theservice list descriptor.

As described heretofore, the receiver 4 monitors the “service_type.”This brings about an effect that the service can be discriminated to bea channel of a 3D program.

In the examples of descriptors described heretofore, only representativemembers are described. It is also conceivable to have other members, puttogether a plurality of members into one, and divide one member into aplurality of members having detail information.

<Sending Operation Rule Examples of Program Information>

Each of the component descriptor, the component group descriptor, the 3Dprogram detail descriptor, the service descriptor, and the service listdescriptor is, for example, information which is generated and added bythe management information provider 16, stored in the PSI (such as, forexample, the PMT) or the SI (such as, for example, the EIT, SDT or NIT),and sent from the transmitter 1.

Hereafter, sending operation rule examples of the program information inthe transmitter 1 will be described.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a sending operation rule of the componentdescriptor in the transmitter 1. In the “descriptor_tag,” “0x50” whichmeans the component descriptor is described. In the “descriptor_length,”the descriptor length of the component descriptor is described. Amaximum value of the descriptor length is not prescribed. In the“stream_content,” “0x01” (video) is described.

In the “component_type,” a video component type of the component isdescribed. As for the component type, one of them shown in FIG. 5 isset. In the “component_tag,” a component tag value which becomes uniquein the program is described. In the “ISO_639_language_code,” “jpn(“0x6A706E”)” is described.

In the “text_char,” video kind names are described with 16 bytes (eightem characters) or less when there are a plurality of video components. Aline feed code is not used. If the component description is a defaultcharacter string, this field can be omitted. The default characterstring is “video.”

By the way, one component descriptor is sent without fail for everyvideo component having a component_tag value in the range of 0x00 to0x0F included in the event (program).

In this way, the transmitter 1 conducts the sending operation andconsequently the receiver 4 monitors the “stream_content” and the“component_type.” This brings about an effect that the program which isnow being received or which will be received in the future can bediscriminated to be a 3D program.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a sending operation rule of a componentgroup descriptor in the transmitter 1.

In the “descriptor_tag,” “0xD9” which means the component groupdescriptor is described. In the “descriptor_length,” a descriptor lengthof the component group descriptor is described. A maximum value of thedescriptor length is not prescribed. The field “component_group_type”indicates a type of a component group, and ‘000’ indicates the multiviewTV, whereas ‘001’ indicates the 3D TV.

In the “total_bit_rate_flag,” ‘0’ is indicated if all total bit rates inthe group in the event have a prescribed default value, whereas ‘1’ isindicated if any of the total bit rates in the group in the event hasexceeded the prescribed default value.

The field “num_of_group” describes the number of component groups in theevent. In the case of the multiview TV (MVTV), the number is set to amaximum of 3. In the case of the 3D TV, the number is set to a maximumof 2.

The field “component_group_id” describes component group identification.In the case of a main group, “0x0” is assigned. In the case of eachsubgroup, the broadcasting service provider assigns a value uniquely inthe event.

The field “num_of_CA_unit” describes the number ofaccounting/nonaccounting units in the component group. Its maximum valueis set equal to 2. If components to be accounted are not included in thecomponent group at all, the field is set to “0x1.”

The field “CA_unit_id” describes the accounting unit identification. Thebroadcasting service provider conducts unique assignment in the event.The field “num_of_component” describes the number of components whichbelong to the component group and which belong to theaccounting/nonaccounting unit indicated by the immediately preceding“CA_unit_id.” Its maximum value is set equal to 15.

The field “component_tag” describes a component tag value belonging tothe component group. The field “total_bit_rate” describes the total bitrate in the component group. In the case of the default value, however,“0x00” is described.

The field “text_length” describes a byte length of subsequent componentgroup description. Its maximum value is set to 16 (eight em characters).The field “text_char” describes description concerning the componentgroup without fail. A default character string is not prescribed. A linefeed code is not used.

When conducting the multiview TV service, the “component_group_type” isset to ‘000’ and sent without fail. When conducting the 3D TV service,the “component_group_type” is set to ‘001’ and sent without fail.

In this way, the transmitter 1 conducts the sending operation andconsequently the receiver 4 monitors the “component_group_type.” Thisbrings about an effect that the program which is now being received orwhich will be received in the future can be discriminated to be a 3Dprogram.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a sending operation rule of the 3D programdetail descriptor in the transmitter 1. In the “descriptor_tag,” “0xE1”which means the 3D program detail descriptor is described. In the“descriptor_length,” a descriptor length of the 3D program detaildescriptor is described. In the “3d_method_type,” the 3D method type isdescribed in accordance with FIG. 11. The field “stream_type” describesthe ES form of the program in accordance with FIG. 3. The field“component_tag” describes a component tag value which becomes unique inthe program.

In this way, the transmitter 1 conducts the sending operation andconsequently the receiver 4 monitors the 3D program detail descriptor.This brings about an effect that the program which is now being receivedor which will be received in the future can be discriminated to be a 3Dprogram if the descriptor exists.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a sending operation rule of the servicedescriptor in the transmitter 1. In the “descriptor_tag,” “0x48” whichmeans the service descriptor is described. In the “descriptor_length,” adescriptor length of the service descriptor is described. The field“service_type” describes a service form type.

The service form type is set in accordance with FIG. 13. In the“service_provider_name_length,” a service provider name length isdescribed in the case of the BS/CS digital TV broadcasting. Its maximumvalue is set equal to 20. In the case of the terrestrial digital TVbroadcasting, the “service_provider_name” is not used and consequently“0x00” is described.

In the “char,” a service provider name is described with a maximum often em characters in the case of BS/CS digital TV broadcasting. Nothingis described in the case of the terrestrial digital TV broadcasting. Inthe “service_name_length,” a service name length is described. Itsmaximum value is set equal to 20. In the “char,” a service name isdescribed with 20 bytes or less and 10 em characters or less. By theway, only one service name is disposed for an object service withoutfail.

In this way, the transmitter 1 conducts the sending operation andconsequently the receiver 4 monitors the “service_type.” This bringsabout an effect that the service can be discriminated to be a channel ofa 3D program.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a sending operation rule of the service listdescriptor in the transmitter 1. In the “descriptor_tag,” “0x41” whichmeans the service list descriptor is described. In the“descriptor_length,” a descriptor length of the service list descriptoris described. A field “loop” describes as many loops as the number ofservices included in the object transport stream.

In the “sevice_id,” “sevice_id” included in the transport stream isdescribed. In the “sevice_type,” a service_type of an object service isdescribed in accordance with FIG. 13. By the way, the service type isdisposed for a TS loop in the NIT without fail.

In this way, the transmitter 1 conducts the sending operation andconsequently the receiver 4 monitors the “service_type.” This bringsabout an effect that the service can be discriminated to be a channel ofa 3D program.

<Hardware Configuration of Receiver>

FIG. 25 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a configurationexample of the receiver 4 included in the system shown in FIG. 1.Reference numeral 21 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) forcontrolling the whole receiver, 22 a universal bus for transmittingcontrol and information between the CPU 21 and respective parts in thereceiver, 23 a tuner for receiving a broadcasting signal transmittedfrom the transmitter 1 via a broadcasting transmission network such asradio (satellite or terrestrial) or a cable, selecting a specificfrequency, conducting demodulation, error correction processing or thelike, and outputting multiplexed packets such as MPEG2-Transport Stream(hereafter referred to as “TS” as well), 24 a descrambler for decodingscrambling conducted by the scrambler 13, 25 a network I/F (Interface)for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information and theMPEG2-TS between the Internet and the receiver, 26 a recording mediumsuch as, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memoryincorporated in the receiver 4 or a removable HDD, disk-type recordingmedium, or flash memory, 27 a recording/reproducing control device forcontrolling the recording medium 26 and controlling recording of asignal onto the recording medium 26 and reproduction of a signal fromthe recording medium 26, 28 a signal changeover device for changing overinput signals from the descrambler 24, the network I/F 25 and therecording/reproducing control device 27 and outputting a signal to ademultiplexer device 29 or the recording/reproducing control device 27,and 29 a demultiplexer device for demultiplexing signals multiplexed ina form such as the MPEG2-TS into signals such as a video ES (ElementaryStream), an audio ES, and program information. The ES refers to each ofthe image data and audio data subjected to compression and coding.Reference numeral 30 denotes a video decoder device for decoding a videoES to a video signal, 31 an audio decoder device for decoding an audioES to an audio signal and outputting the audio signal from an audiooutput 42, 32 a screen configuration control device for controlling ascreen configuration, superposing a display such as, for example, an OSD(On Screen Display) generated by the CPU 21 on the video signal receivedfrom the video decoder device 30, and outputting the video signal, asynchronizing signal and a control signal (to be used for devicecontrol) from a video signal output part 41 and a control signal outputpart 43, 33 a control signal transceiver for receiving an operationinput from a user operation input part 45 (for example, a key code froma remote controller which originates an IR (Infrared Radiation) signal)and transmitting a device control signal (for example, IR) generated bythe CPU 21 and the screen configuration control device 32 and directedto an external device from a device control signal transmission part 44,and 34 a timer which has a timer therein and retains the current time.The receiver 4 is mainly formed of these devices. By the way, it is alsopossible to install a 3D video display instead of or in addition to thevideo signal output part 41 and display a video decoded by the videodecoder device 30 on the 3D video display. Furthermore, it is alsopossible to install a speaker instead of or in addition to the audiooutput 42 and output a sound from the speaker on the basis of an audiosignal decoded by the audio decoder. In this case, the receiver 4becomes a 3D video display apparatus. Also in the case where display isconducted on the 3D video display, the synchronizing signal and thecontrol signal are output from the control signal output part 43 and thedevice control signal transmission part 44, if necessary.

A part of the components 21 to 34 shown in FIG. 25 may be constituted byusing one LSI or plurality of LSIs. Furthermore, a configuration inwhich partial functions of the components 21 to 34 shown in FIG. 25 areimplemented by software may be used.

<Functional Block Diagram of Receiver>

FIG. 26 shows an example of a functional block configuration ofprocessing within the CPU 21. Each function block exists as a module ofsoftware executed by, for example, the CPU 21, and delivery ofinformation and data and control instructions are conducted betweenmodules by using some means (for example, message passing, functioncalling or event transmission).

Furthermore, each module conducts information transmission/receptionwith each hardware in the receiver 4 as well via the universal bus 22.Relation lines (arrows) in FIG. 26 mainly show parts relating to theensuing description. However, processing which requires communicationmeans and communication exists between other modules as well. Forexample, a station selection controller 59 acquires program informationrequired for station selection from a program information analyzer 54suitably.

Functions of respective function blocks will now be described. A systemcontroller 51 manages states of respective modules and user'sinstruction states, and gives control instructions to respectivemodules. A user instruction receiver 52 receives and interprets an inputsignal of user's operation received by the control signal transceiver33, and conveys the user's instruction to the system controller 51. Inaccordance with an instruction given by the system controller 51 oranother module, a device control signal transmitter 53 instructs thecontrol signal transceiver 33 to transmit a device control signal.

The program information analyzer 54 acquires program information fromthe demultiplexer device 29, analyses its contents, and providesrespective modules with necessary information. A time manager 55acquires time correction information (TOT: time offset table) includedin the TS, manages the current time, and gives a notice of an alarm (anotice of arrival at a specified time) or a one-shot timer (a notice ofelapse of a definite time) in response to a request of each module byusing a counter included in the timer 34.

A network controller 56 controls the network I/F 25, and acquiresvarious kinds of information and the TS from a specific URL (UniqueResource Locater) or a specific IP (Internet Protocol) address. Adecoding controller 57 controls the video decoder device 30 and theaudio decoder device 31, and conducts decoding start, decoding stop, andacquisition of information included in a stream.

A recording/reproducing controller 58 controls the recording/reproducingcontrol device 27, and reads out a signal from a specific position ofspecific contents on the recording medium 26 in an arbitrary readingform (ordinary reproduction, fast feeding, rewinding and temporarystop). Furthermore, the recording/reproducing controller 58 exercisescontrol to record a signal which is input to the recording/reproducingcontrol device 27 onto the recording medium 26.

The station selection controller 59 controls the tuner 23, thedescrambler 24, the signal changeover device 28, the demultiplexerdevice 29 and the decoding controller 57, and conducts broadcastreception and broadcasting signal recording. Furthermore, the stationselection controller 59 exercises control since reproduction from therecording medium is conducted until the video signal and the audiosignal are output. Detailed broadcast reception operation, broadcastingsignal recording operation, and operation of reproduction from therecording medium will be described later.

An OSD generator 60 generates OSD data including a specific message, andinstructs a screen configuration controller 61 to superpose thegenerated OSD data on a video signal and output a resultant signal. TheOSD generator 60 generates OSD data having parallax for left eye andright eye, and conducts 3D message display by requesting the screenconfiguration controller 61 to conduct 3D display on the basis of OSDdata for left eye and right eye.

The screen configuration controller 61 controls the screen configurationcontrol device 32, superposes the OSD which is input from the OSDgenerator 60 on the video which is input from the video decoder device30 to the screen configuration control device 32, further conductsprocessing (such as scaling, PinP, and 3D display) on the video asoccasion demands, and outputs a resultant video to the external.Respective function blocks provide these functions.

<Broadcast Reception>

A control procedure and a signal flow in the case where broadcastreception is conducted will now be described. Upon receiving a user'sinstruction (such as, for example, depression of a CH button on a remotecontroller) which indicates broadcast reception of a specific channel(CH), from the user instruction receiver 52 instructs the stationselection controller 59 to conduct station selection on a CH instructedby the user (hereafter referred to as specified CH).

Upon receiving the instruction, the station selection controller 59instructs the tuner 23 to exercise reception control in the specified CH(station selection in a specified frequency band, broadcasting signaldemodulation processing, and error correction processing) and output aTS to the descrambler 24.

Then, the station selection controller 59 instructs the descrambler 24to descramble the TS, instructs the signal changeover device 28 tooutput an input supplied from the descrambler 24 to the demultiplexerdevice 29, and instructs the demultiplexer device 29 to demultiplex theinput TS, output a demultiplexed video ES to the video decoder device30, and output an audio ES to the audio decoder device 31.

Furthermore, the station selection controller 59 instructs the decodercontroller 57 to decode the video ES and the audio ES which arerespectively input to the video decoder device 30 and the audio decoderdevice 31. Upon receiving the decoding instruction, the decodercontroller 57 controls the video decoder device 30 to output the decodedvideo signal to the screen configuration control device 32 and controlsthe audio decoder device 31 to output the decoded audio signal to theaudio output 42. In this way, control is exercised to output the videoand audio on the CH specified by the user.

In order to display a CH banner (an OSD which displays a CH number, aprogram name, program information and the like) at the time of stationselection, the system controller 51 instructs the OSD generator 60 togenerate and output the CH banner. Upon receiving the instruction, theOSD generator 60 transmits generated data of the CH banner to the screenconfiguration controller 61. Upon receiving the data, the screenconfiguration controller 61 exercises control to superpose the CH banneron the video signal and output a resultant signal. In this way, messagedisplay at the time of station selection is conducted.

<Recording of Broadcasting Signal>

Recording control of a broadcasting signal and a signal flow will now bedescribed. When conducting recording of a specific CH, the systemcontroller 51 instructs the station selection controller 59 to select aspecific CH and output a signal to the recording/reproducing controldevice 27.

Upon receiving the instruction, the station selection controller 59instructs the tuner 23 to exercise reception control of a specified CH,instructs the descrambler 24 to descramble the MPEG2-TS received fromthe tuner 23, and instructs the signal changeover device 28 to output aninput supplied from the descrambler 24 to the recording/reproducingcontrol device 27, in the same way as the broadcasting receptionprocessing.

Furthermore, the system controller 51 instructs therecording/reproducing controller 58 to record a TS which is input to therecording/reproducing control device 27. Upon receiving the instruction,the recording/reproducing controller 58 conducts necessary processingsuch as encryption on a signal (TS) which is input to therecording/reproducing control device 27, generate additional informationrequired at the time of recording/reproducing (contents information suchas program information and a bit rate of the recording CH), recordsmanagement data (such as an ID of recording contents, a recordingposition on the recording medium 28, a recording form, and encryptioninformation), and then conducts processing for writing the MPEG2-TS,additional information and management data onto the recording medium 28.In this way, recording of the broadcasting signal is conducted.

<Reproduction from Recording Medium>

Processing for reproducing data from the recording medium will now bedescribed. When reproducing a specific program, the system controller 51instructs the recording/reproducing controller 58 to reproduce aspecific program. As an instruction at this time, the ID of the contentsand a reproduction start position (such as, for example, the head of theprogram, a position corresponding to 10 minutes from the end,continuation from last time, or a position corresponding to 100 Mbytesfrom the head) are given. Upon receiving the instruction, therecording/reproducing controller 58 controls the recording/reproducingcontrol device 27 to read out a signal (TS) from the recording medium 28by using additional information and management data, conducts necessaryprocessing such as decryption, then output a TS to the signal changeoverdevice 28.

Furthermore, the system controller 51 instructs the station selectioncontroller 59 to conduct video and audio output of a reproduced signal.Upon receiving the instruction, the station selection controller 59controls the signal changeover device 28 to output its input from therecording/reproducing control device 27 to the demultiplexer device 29,and instructs the demultiplexer device 29 to demultiplex the input TS,output the demultiplexed video ES to the video decoder device 30 andoutput the demultiplexed audio ES to the audio decoder 31.

Furthermore, the station selection controller 59 instructs the decodingcontroller 57 to decode the video ES and the audio ES which are inputrespectively to the video decoder device 30 and the audio decoder device31. Upon receiving the decoding instruction, the decoding controller 57controls the video decoder device 30 to output the decoded video signalto the screen configuration control device 32 and controls the audiodecoder device 31 to output the decoded audio signal to the audio output42. In this way, signal reproduction processing from the recordingmedium is conducted.

<3D Video Display Method>

As the 3D video display method which can be used in the presentinvention, there are several methods for generating videos for the lefteye and the right eye which cause feeling of parallax in the left eyeand the right eye and causing a human being to recognize existence of astereoscopic object.

As one method, there is an active shutter method in which left and rightglasses worn by the user are intercepted from light alternately by usinga liquid crystal shutter, videos for the left eye and the right eye aredisplayed in synchronism with the interception, and parallax isgenerated in images on the left and right eyes.

In this case, the receiver 4 outputs a synchronizing signal and acontrol signal from the control signal output part 43 and the devicecontrol signal transmission part 44 to the active shuttered glasses.Furthermore, the receiver 4 outputs a video signal from the video signaloutput part 41 to an external 3D video display apparatus to display avideo for the left eye and a video for the right eye alternately. Orsimilar display is conducted on the 3D video display included in thereceiver 4. By doing so, the user wearing the active shuttered glassescan view a 3D video on the 3D video display apparatus or the 3D videodisplay included in the receiver 4.

As another method, there is a polarization method. According to thepolarization method, parallax is generated between the left eye and theright eye by sticking films which are orthogonal in linear polarizationto left and right glasses worn by the user, applying linear polarizationcoating to the left and right glasses, sticking films which are oppositein rotation direction of the polarization axis in circular polarizationto the left and right glasses, or applying circular polarizationcoating, and simultaneously outputting a video for the left eye and avideo for the right eye using polarized light corresponding topolarization of glasses for the left eye and the right eye.

In this case, the receiver 4 outputs a video signal from the videosignal output part 41 to an external 3D video display apparatus. The 3Dvideo display apparatus displays videos for the left eye and the righteye in different polarization states. Or the 3D video display includedin the receiver 4 conducts similar display. By doing so, the userwearing polarization glasses can view a 3D video on the 3D video displayapparatus or the 3D video display included in the receiver 4. In thepolarization method, 3D video viewing becomes possible withouttransmitting the synchronizing signal or the control signal from thereceiver 4 to the polarization glasses. Therefore, it is not necessaryto output the synchronizing signal and the control signal from thecontrol signal output part 43 and the device control signal transmissionpart 44.

Besides them, a color separation method in which videos for the left andright eyes are separated by colors may also be used. Furthermore, aparallax barrier method for generating a #D video by utilizing aparallax barrier which can be viewed may also be used.

By the way, the 3D display method according to the present invention isnot restricted to a specific method.

<Example of Concrete Judgment Method of 3D Program Utilizing ProgramInformation>

As an example of the 3D program judgment method, it is possible toacquire information for determining whether the program is a newlyincluded 3D program from various tables or descriptors included inprogram information of a broadcasting signal and a reproduced signalalready described and determine whether the program is a 3D program.

It is judged whether the program is a 3D program by checking informationwhich identifies whether the program is a 3D program and which is newlyincluded in the component descriptor or the component group descriptordescribed in a table such as the PMT or EIT [schedule basic/scheduleextended/present/following], checking a 3D program detail descriptorwhich is a new descriptor for 3D program judgment, or checkinginformation which identifies whether the program is a 3D program andwhich is newly included in the service descriptor, the service listdescriptor or the like described in a table such as the NIT or SDT.These kinds of information are added to a broadcasting signal in thetransmitter and transmitted. In the transmitter, the broadcasting signalis provided with these kinds of information by, for example, themanagement information provider 16.

As for proper use of respective tables, for example, the PMT has afeature that only information of a current program is described andconsequently information of a program in the future cannot be checked,but reliability is high. On the other hand, as for the EIT [schedulebasic/schedule extended], information of not only the current programbut also a future program can be acquired. However, there are demeritsthat the time taken until reception is completed is long, a largestorage area needs to be retained, and reliability is low because theEIT represents events in the future. As for EIT [following], informationof a program in the next broadcasting time can be acquired andconsequently it is suitable for application to the present embodiment.As for EIT [present], it can be used to acquire the current programinformation and information different from that of the PMT can beacquired.

A detailed example of processing in the receiver 4 which concernsprogram information sent from the transmitter 1 and described withreference to FIGS. 4, 6, 10, 12 and 14 will now be described.

FIG. 20 shows an example of processing conducted on each of fields inthe component descriptor in the receiver 4.

If the “descriptor_tag” is “0x50,” the descriptor is judged to be acomponent descriptor. With the “descriptor_length,” the field is judgedto represent a descriptor length of the component descriptor. If the“stream_content” is “0x01,” the descriptor is judged to be valid(video). Unless the “stream_content” is “0x01,” the descriptor is judgedto be invalid. If the “stream_content” is “0x01,” then the ensuingprocessing is conducted.

The “component_type” is judged to be the video component type of thecomponent. As for the component type, one of the values shown in FIG. 5is specified. It can be determined whether the component is a componentconcerning a 3D video program on the basis of its contents.

The “component_tag” is a component tag value which becomes unique in theprogram, and it can be utilized in association with a component tagvalue of a stream identification descriptor in the PMT.

As for the “ISO_639_language_code,” a character code disposedsubsequently is handled as “jpn” even if it is not “jpn (“0x6A706E”).”

As for the “text_char,” characters within 16 bytes (8 em characters) arejudged to be component description. If this field is omitted, the fieldis judged to be component description of the default. A defaultcharacter string is “video.”

As described heretofore, the video component type which constitutes anevent (program) can be judged on the basis of the component descriptor,and the component description can be utilized at the time of videocomponent selection in the receiver.

By the way, only video components having the component_tag values whichare in the range of 0x00 to 0x0F are made selection objects singly.Video components which are set with component_tag values which are otherthan the values do not become single selection objects, and they shouldnot be made objects of the component selection function or the like.

Furthermore, the component description does not coincide with an actualcomponent due to a mode change or the like in an event (program) in somecases. (The component_type in the component descriptor describes arepresentative component type of the component, and this value is notchanged in real time in response to a mode change during in the middleof a program.)

Furthermore, the component_type described by the component descriptor isreferred to when judging “maximum_bit_rate” which is a default in thecase where a digital copy control descriptor which is description ofinformation for controlling a copy generation in a digital recordingdevice and a maximum transmission rate is omitted for the event(program).

In this way, the receiver 4 conducts the processing on respective fieldsof the present descriptor. This brings about an effect that a programwhich is now being received or which will be received in the future canbe discriminated to be a 3D program by monitoring the “stream_content”and “component_type” in the receiver 4.

FIG. 21 shows an example of processing conducted on each of fields inthe component group descriptor in the receiver 4.

If the “descriptor_tag” is “0x09,” the descriptor is judged to be thecomponent group descriptor. With the “descriptor_length,” the field isjudged to represent a descriptor length of the component groupdescriptor.

If the “component_group_type” is ‘000,’ the service is judged to be themultiview TV service. If the “component_group_type” is ‘001,’ theservice is judged to be the 3D TV service.

If the “total_bit_rate_flag” is ‘0,’ then it is judged that the totalbit rate in the group in the event (program) is not described in thedescriptor. If the “total_bit_rate_flag” is ‘1,’ then it is judged thatthe total bit rate in the group in the event (program) is described inthe descriptor.

The “num_of_group” is judged to be the number of component groups in theevent (program). A maximum value exists, and if the number of groupsexceeds the maximum value, there is a possibility that it will beprocessed as the maximum value.

If the “component_group_id” is “0x0,” the component group is judged tobe the main group. Unless the “component_group_id” is “0x0,” thecomponent group is judged to be a subgroup.

The “num_of_CA_unit” is judged to be the number ofaccounting/nonaccounting units in the component group. If the number ofaccounting/nonaccounting units exceeds a maximum value, there is apossibility that it will be processed as 2.

If the “CA_unit_id” is “0x0,” the accounting unit is judged to belong tothe nonaccounting unit group. If the “CA_unit_id” is “0x1,” theaccounting unit is judged to be an accounting unit including a defaultES group. If the “CA_unit_id” is neither “0x0” nor “0x1,” the accountingunit is judged to be other than the accounting units.

The “num_of_component” is judged to be the number of components whichbelong to the component group and which belong to theaccounting/nonaccounting unit indicated by the immediately preceding“CA_unit_id.” If the number of components exceeds the maximum value,there is a possibility that it will be processed as 15.

The “component_tag” is judged to be a component tag value belonging tothe component group, and the “component_tag” can be utilized inassociation with the component tag value of the stream identificationdescriptor in the PMT.

The “total_bit_rate” is judged to be the total bit rate in the componentgroup. If the “total_bit_rate” is “0x00,” however, it is judged to be adefault.

If the “text_length” is 16 (8 em characters) or less, it is judged to bethe component group description length. If the “text_length” is greaterthan 16 (8 em characters), a description statement corresponding to anexcess of the component group description length over 16 (8 emcharacters) may be neglected.

The “text_char” indicates a description statement concerning thecomponent group. By the way, on the basis of disposition of a componentgroup descriptor having “component_group_type”=‘000,” it is judged thatthe multiview TV service is conducted in the event (program) and thejudgment can be utilized in processing of each component group.

On the basis of disposition of a component group descriptor having“component_group_type”=‘001,” it is judged that the 3D TV service isconducted in the event (program) and the judgment can be utilized inprocessing of each component group.

In addition, a default ES group in each group is described in acomponent group disposed at the top of the “CA_unit” loop without fail.

In the main group (component_group_id=0x0):

if the default ES group in the group is a nonaccounting object, then“free_CA_mode=0” should be set, and a component group having“CA_unit_id=0x1” should not be set; and

if the default ES group in the group is an accounting object, then“free_CA_mode=1” should be set, and a component group having“CA_unit_id=0x1” should be set and described without fail.

In a subgroup (component_group_id>0x0):

only the same accounting unit or nonaccounting unit as that of the maingroup can be set for the subgroup;

if the default ES group in the group is a nonaccounting object, then acomponent group having “CA_unit_id=0x0” should be set and described; and

if the default ES group in the group is an accounting object, then acomponent group having “CA_unit_id=0x1” should be set and described.

In this way, the receiver 4 conducts the processing on respective fieldsof the present descriptor. This brings about an effect that a programwhich is now being received or which will be received in the future canbe discriminated to be a 3D program by monitoring “component_group_type”in the receiver 4.

FIG. 22 shows an example of processing conducted on each of fields inthe 3D program detail descriptor in the receiver 4.

If the “descriptor_tag” is “0xE1,” the descriptor is judged to be the 3Dprogram detail descriptor. With the “descriptor_length,” the field isjudged to represent a descriptor length of the 3D program detaildescriptor.

The “3D_method_type” is judged to be the 3D method type in the 3Dprogram, which is specified in accordance with FIG. 11.

The “stream_type” is judged to be the ES form of the 3D program inaccordance with FIG. 3. The “component_tag” is judged to be thecomponent tag value which becomes unique in the 3D program. Thecomponent tag value can be utilized in association with the componenttag value of the stream identification descriptor in the PMT.

By the way, a configuration in which it is judged whether the program isa 3D video program on the basis of whether there is the 3D programdetail descriptor itself may be used. In other words, if there isn't the3D program detail descriptor, the program is judged to be a 2D videoprogram. If there is the 3D program detail descriptor, the program isjudged to be a 3D video program.

In this way, the receiver 4 conducts the processing on respective fieldsof the present descriptor. This brings about an effect that a programwhich is now being received or which will be received in the future canbe discriminated to be a 3D program if there is the 3D program detaildescriptor by monitoring the 3D program detail descriptor in thereceiver 4.

FIG. 23 shows an example of processing conducted on each of fields inthe service descriptor in the receiver 4. If the “descriptor_tag” is“0x48,” the descriptor is judged to be the service descriptor. On thebasis of the “descriptor_length,” the field is judged to be thedescriptor length of the service descriptor. If the “service_type” isother than “service_type”s shown in FIG. 13, the descriptor is judged tobe invalid.

In the case of the BS/CS digital TV broadcasting reception, the“service_provider_name_length” is judged to be a service provider namelength if it is equal to 20 or less and it is judged to invalid if it isgreater than 20. On the other hand, in the case of terrestrial digitalTV broadcasting reception, the “service_provider_name_length” is judgedto be invalid if it is other than “0x00.”

The “char” is judged to be a service provider name in the case of BS/CSdigital TV broadcasting reception. On the other hand, contents ofdescription are neglected in the case of terrestrial digital TVbroadcasting reception. If the “service_name_length” is equal to or lessthan 20, it is judged to be a service name. If the “service_name_length”is greater than 20, the service name is judged to be invalid.

The “char” is judged to be a service name. By the way, if an SDT havingthe descriptor disposed in accordance with the example of the sendingoperation rule described above with reference to FIG. 18 cannot bereceived, then basic information of the object service is judged to beinvalid.

In this way, the receiver 4 conducts the processing on respective fieldsof the present descriptor. This brings about an effect that the servicecan be discriminated to be a channel of a 3D program by monitoring the“service_type” in the receiver 4.

FIG. 24 shows an example of processing conducted on each of fields inthe service list descriptor in the receiver 4. If the “descriptor_tag”is “0x41,” the descriptor is judged to be the service list descriptor.On the basis of the “descriptor_length,” the field is judged to be thedescriptor length of the service list descriptor.

The “loop” describes as many loops as the number of services included inthe object transport stream. The “sevice_id” is judged to be “sevice_id”for the transport stream. The “sevice_type” indicates a service type ofthe object service. Service types other than those prescribed in FIG. 13are judged to be invalid.

As described heretofore, the service list descriptor can be judged to beinformation of a transport stream included in the object network.

In this way, the receiver 4 conducts the processing on respective fieldsof the present descriptor. This brings about an effect that the servicecan be discriminated to be a channel of a 3D program by monitoring the“service_type” in the receiver 4.

Concrete descriptors in each table will now be described. First, theform of the ES can be judged on the basis of the kind of data in thestream_type described in the 2nd loop of the PMT as described above withreference to FIG. 3. If description indicating that the stream which isnow being broadcasted is a 3D video exists therein, however, the programis judged to be a 3D program (for example, “an MVC video streamprescribed by ITU-T recommendations H.264 ISO/IEC 14496 video (theso-called “H.264 MVC” stream) which indicates that the stream is amultiple viewpoint video coded stream is assigned to 0x1F and it isconfirmed that the value exists in the program information.

As for an area which is now reserved in the PMT besides the stream_type,it is possible to newly assign a 2D/3D identification bit whichidentifies a 3D program or a 2D program to the area and judge on thebasis of the area.

As for the EIT as well, it is also possible to newly assign a 2D/3Didentification bit to the reserved area and judge in the same way.

In the case where a 3D program is judged on the basis of the componentdescriptor disposed in the PMT and/or the EIT, it is possible to assigna type which indicates a 3D video to the “component_type in thecomponent descriptor as described above with reference to FIG. 4 andFIGS. 5A to 5E (for example, FIGS. 5C to 5E) and judge the program to bea 3D program of there is a descriptor in which the “component_typeindicates a 3D video. (For example, assignment is conducted inaccordance with FIGS. 5C to 5E and it is confirmed that its value existsin program information of an object program.)

According to a judgment method based on the component group descriptordisposed in the EIT, description which represents a 3D service isassigned to the value of the “component_group_type” as described abovewith reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. If the value of the“component_group_type” represents the 3D service, the program can bediscriminated to be a 3D program (for example, the 3D TV service or thelike is assigned to a bit field 001 and it is confirmed that the valueexists in the program information of the object program).

As for a judgment method based on the 3D program detail descriptordisposed in the PMT and/or the EIT, it can be first judged whether anobject program is a 3D program on the basis of whether the descriptorexists as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In thatcase, it is not necessary to analyze the descriptor, and consequentlythe processing is easy. If the 3D method type (the 3d_method_type)included in the descriptor is a 3D method that the receiver can copewith, the next program is judged to be a 3D program. Such a method isalso conceivable. In that case, analysis processing of the descriptorbecomes complicated. However, it becomes possible to suspend anoperation for conducting message display processing and recordingprocessing on a 3D program that the receiver cannot cope with.

It is possible to assign the 3D video service to “0x11” in the“service_type” information included in the service descriptor disposedin the SDT or the service list descriptor disposed in the NIT asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 and judge aprogram to be a 3D program when its program information having thedescriptor is acquired. In this case, judgment is not conducted bytaking a program as the unit, but judgment is conducted by takingservice (CH, service) as the unit. Judgment whether the next program inthe same service is a 3D program cannot be conducted. However, there isa merit that information acquisition is easy because a program is nottaken as the unit.

As for the program information, there is also a method of acquiring itthrough a dedicated communication path (a broadcasting signal or theInternet). In that case as well, the 3D program judgment can beconducted in the same way if there are program start time, CH(broadcasting service, URL or an IP address), and an identifier whichrepresents whether the program is a 3D program.

In the foregoing description, various kinds of information (informationincluded in tables or descriptors) for determining whether a video is a3D video by taking a service (CH) or a program as the unit have beendescribed. In the present invention, however, it is not always necessaryto transmit all of them, but necessary information may be transmittedaccording to the broadcasting form. Judgment whether the video is a 3Dvideo may be conducted with a service (CH) or a program taken as theunit by checking respective single information pieces. Or thedetermination whether the video is a 3D video may be conducted with aservice (CH) or a program taken as the unit by combining a plurality ofkinds of information. In the case where judgment is conducted bycombining a plurality of kinds of information, for example, a judgmentthat the service is the 3D video broadcasting service, but only someprograms are 2D videos also becomes possible. In the case where such ajudgment can be conducted, the receiver can express clearly that theservice is the “3D video broadcasting service” in, for example, the EPG.In addition, even if 2D video programs are mixedly present in theservice besides 3D video programs, it becomes possible to change overthe display control according to whether the program is a 3D videoprogram or a 2D video program when the program is received.

It is now supposed that a program is judged to be a 3D program accordingto the 3D program judgment method described heretofore. If in this casea 3D component specified in, for example, FIGS. 5C to 5E can beprocessed (displayed and output) suitably in the receiver 4, the 3Dcomponent is processed (reproduced, displayed and output) in the 3D. Ifthe 3D component cannot be processed (reproduced, displayed and output)suitably in the receiver 4 (as in the case where, for example, thereceiver 4 is not provided with a 3D video reproduction function whichcorresponds to a specified 3D transmission method), the 3D component maybe processed (reproduced, displayed and output) in the 2D. At this time,a message that the 3D video program cannot be subject to 3D display or3D output suitably in the receiver may be displayed together with thedisplay and output of a 2D video. By doing so, the user can graspwhether the program is a program broadcasted as a 2D video program, orthe program is a program broadcasted as a 3D video program, but a 2Dvideo is displayed because it cannot be processed suitably in thereceiver.

<Display Processing of 3D Contents>

Processing conducted when reproducing 3D contents (digital contentsincluding a 3D video) will now be described. As an example, it issupposed that there are a video ES for left eye and a video ES for righteye in one TS. First, the user gives an instruction of changeover to a3D video (for example, the user depresses a “3D” key on a remotecontroller). Upon receiving the key code, the user instruction receiver52 instructs the system controller 51 to change over to a 3D video. Uponreceiving the instruction, the system controller 51 determines whetherthe current program is a 3D program according to the above describedmethod.

If the current program is a 3D program, the system controller 51 firstinstructs the station selection controller 59 to output a 3D video. Uponreceiving the instruction, the station selection controller 59 acquiresPIDs (packet IDs) and a 3D coding method (for example, the H264 MVC) ofa video ES for left eye and a video ES for right eye from the programinformation analyzer 54 and then controls the demultiplexer device 29 todemultiplex the TS to the video ES for left eye and the video ES forright eye and output them to the video decoder device 30.

Here, the station selection controller 59 controls the demultiplexerdevice 29 to input the video ES for left eye to a first input of thevideo decoder device 30 and input the video ES for right eye to a secondinput of the video decoder device 30. Then the station selectioncontroller 59 transmits information which indicates that the first inputof the video decoder device 30 is the video ES for left eye and thesecond input of the video decoder device 30 is the video ES for righteye and the 3D coding method to the decoding controller 57. And thestation selection controller 59 instructs the decoding controller 57 todecode the ESs.

Upon receiving the instruction, the decoding controller 57 decodes theES for left eye and the ES for right eye, and outputs video signals forleft eye and right eye to the screen configuration control device 32. Atthis time, the system controller 51 instructs the screen configurationcontroller 61 to conduct 3D output of the video. Upon receiving theinstruction from the system controller 51, the screen configurationcontroller 61 outputs the video signals for left eye and right eye fromthe video signal output part 41 alternately or displays a video on the3D video display included in the receiver 4.

Together therewith, a synchronizing signal which makes the video signalfor left eye and the video signal for right eye distinguishable isoutput from the control signal output part 43. Upon receiving the videosignal and the synchronizing signal, an external video output deviceoutputs videos for left eye and right eye in accordance with thesynchronizing signal and transmits the synchronizing signal to a 3Dviewing assistance device. As a result, it becomes possible to conduct3D display.

When displaying the video signal on the 3D video display included in thereceiver included in the receiver 4, the synchronizing signal is outputfrom the device control signal transmission part 44 via the devicecontrol signal transmitter 53 and the control signal transceiver 33 toexercise control (fir example, interception changeover of an activeshutter) on the external 3D viewing assistance device. As a result, 3Ddisplay is conducted.

When conducting 2D display, the user gives an instruction of changeoverto a 2D video (for example, the user depresses a “2D” key on the remotecontroller). Upon receiving the key code, the user instruction receiver52 instructs the system controller 51 to change over to a 3D video. Uponreceiving the instruction, the system controller 51 first instructs thestation selection controller 59 to output a 2D video.

Upon receiving the instruction, the station selection controller 59first acquires a PID of an ES (for example, an ES having a default tag)for 2D video from the program information analyzer 54, and instructs thedemultiplexer device 29 to output the ES to the video decoder device 30.Then, the station selection controller 59 instructs the decodingcontroller 57 to decode the ES.

Upon receiving the instruction, the decoding controller 57 decodes theES and outputs the video signal to the screen configuration controldevice 32. At this time, the system controller 51 instructs the screenconfiguration controller 61 to conduct 2D output of the video. Uponreceiving the instruction from the system controller 51, the screenconfiguration controller 61 outputs the video signal which is input tothe screen configuration control device 32, from the video signal outputpart 41. In this way, 2D display is conducted.

Display processing of 3D contents under predetermined conditions willnow be described. As for viewing of 3D contents, it is now supposed thatthe user is not in a state in which the user views 3D contents. Ifdisplay of 3D contents is started in spite of this state, the usercannot view the contents in the best state and there is a fear thatconvenience of the user will be hampered. On the other hand, theconvenience of the user can be improved by conducting processingdescribed hereafter.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a flow executed by the system controller 51in the case where time left until start of the next program is changeddue to station selection or elapse of a definite time. First, the systemcontroller 51 acquires program information of the next program from theprogram information analyzer 54 (S101), and determines whether the nextprogram is a 3D program according to the 3D program judgment methoddescribed above.

If the next program is not a 3D program (no at S102), processing is notconducted especially and the flow is finished. If the next program is a3D program (yes at S102), time left until start of the next program iscalculated. Specifically, the start time of the next program or end timeof the current program is acquired from the acquired EIT of the programinformation, the current time is acquired from the time manager 55, anda difference between them is calculated.

Unless the next program starts in X minutes or less (no at S103), Xminutes before the start of the next program is waited withoutconducting especial processing. If the next program starts in X minutesor less (yes at S103), a message that a 3D program will be started soonis displayed to the user (S104).

FIG. 28 shows an example of message display at that times. Referencenumeral 701 shows the whole screen displayed by the apparatus, andreference numeral 702 denotes a message displayed by the receiver. Inthis way, it becomes possible to call attention of the user to prepare a3D viewing assistance device.

If the judgment time X lasting until the program start is made short,there is a possibility that the user will not be ready for 3D viewing bythe time the program starts. If X is made long, there is a demerit thatmessage display becomes an obstacle to viewing for a long time and thereis a pause after the completion of the preparation. Therefore, it isnecessary to adjust the judgment time X to a suitable time.

When displaying a message to the user, the start time of the nextprogram may be displayed concretely. An example of screen display inthat case is shown in FIG. 29. Reference numeral 802 denotes a messagewhich displays a time left until the 3D program start. Although the timeis represented in minutes, the time may be represented in seconds. Inthat case, the user can know more detailed start time of the nextprogram. However, there is also a demerit that the processing loadbecomes high.

The example in which the time left until a 3D program is started isdisplayed is shown in FIG. 29. Alternatively, the time at which the 3Dprogram is started may be displayed. If the 3D program is to be startedat 9 p.m., then, for example, a message “3D program will be started at 9p.m. Wear 3D glasses” may be displayed.

By displaying such a message, it becomes possible for the user to knowconcrete start time of the next program and prepare for 3D viewing at asuitable pace.

When using a 3D viewing assistance device, it is also conceivable to adda mark which looks stereoscopically (3D check mark) as shown in FIG. 30.Reference numeral 902 denotes a message which gives an advance noticeindicating the start of a 3D program, and reference numeral 903 denotesa mark which looks stereoscopically when using a 3D viewing assistancedevice. Owing to the mark, it is possible for the user to confirm normaloperation of the 3D viewing assistance device before the start of the 3Dprogram. For example, when a trouble (such as, for example, a deadbattery or a failure) has occurred in the 3D viewing assistance device,it becomes possible to cope with the trouble by repair or exchange bythe time the program starts.

A method for notifying the user that the next program is 3D, thendetermining whether the user's preparation for 3D viewing is complete(3D viewing preparation state), and changing over the video of the 3Dprogram to 2D display or 3D display will now be described.

The method for notifying the user that the next program is 3D is thesame as the above-described method. However, the method is different inthat an object to be used by the user to respond (which is hereafterreferred to as user response reception object, and which is, forexample, a button on the OSD) is displayed in the message given to theuser at the step S104. An example of this message is shown in FIG. 31.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes the whole message, and reference numeral1002 denotes a button to be used by the user to respond. If the userdepresses, for example, an “OK” button on the remote controller when themessage 1001 shown in FIG. 31 is displayed, the user instructionreceiver 52 notifies the system controller 51 that “OK” has beendepressed.

Upon receiving the notice, the system controller 51 stores that theuser's 3D viewing preparation state is OK as a state. Then, time elapsesand the current program becomes the 3D program. A processing flow of thesystem controller 51 in this case will now be described with referenceto FIG. 32.

The system controller 51 acquires program information of the currentprogram from the program information analyzer 54 (S201), and determineswhether the current program is a 3D program according to theabove-described 3D program judgment method. Unless the current programis a 3D program (no at S202), control is exercised to display the videoin 2D according to the above-describe method (S203).

If the current program is a 3D program (yes at S202), then the 3Dviewing preparation state of the user is confirmed (S204). Unless the 3Dviewing preparation state stored by the system controller 51 is OK (noat S205), control is exercised to conduct 2D display of the video in thesame way (S203).

If the 3D viewing preparation state is OK (yes at S205), control isexercised to conduct 3D display of the video according to the abovedescribed method (S206). If it can be confirmed that the current programis a 3D program and the 3D viewing preparation of the user is completein this way, 3D display of the video is conducted.

As for the message display at the step S104, not only simple “OK” asshown in FIG. 31, but also a method of stating expressly whether todisplay the next program in 2D video or 3D video is also conceivable.Examples of a message and a user response reception object in that caseare shown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

By doing so, the user can judge operation to be conducted afterdepressing a button more easily as compared with the display of “OK”described above. In addition, display in 2D can be instructed expressly(when “view in 2D” described in 1202 is depressed, the user's 3D viewingpreparation state is judged to NG). In this way, the convenience isimproved.

Furthermore, the user's judgment of the 3D viewing preparation state isconducted by operation of user menu on the remote controller. Besides,however, there is a method of judging the 3D viewing preparation stationon the basis of, for example, a user wearing completion signaloriginated by a 3D viewing assistance device. Or it is also possible totake a photograph of the use's viewing state by suing an image pickupdevice, conduct image recognition and user's face recognition on thebasis of a result of the photographing, and determine whether the userwears a 3D viewing assistance device.

By conducting judgment in this way, it becomes possible to eliminate thelabor required for the user to conduct some operation on the receiver.In addition, it becomes possible to prevent 2D video viewing and 3Dvideo viewing from being set falsely by erroneous operation.

Furthermore, as another method, there is also a method of judging the 3Dviewing preparation state to be OK when the user has depressed a <3D>button on the remote controller and judging the 3D viewing preparationstate to be NG when the user has depressed a <2D> button, a <return>button or a <cancel> button on the remote controller. In this case, theuser can notify the receiver of the user's state clearly and easily.However, a demerit such as state transmission caused by false operationor misunderstanding is also conceivable.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable in the above-described example tojudge only program information of the next program acquired previouslyand conduct processing without acquiring information of the currentprogram. In this case, a method of using program information acquiredpreviously (for example, at step S101 shown in FIG. 27) withoutconducting determination whether the current program is a 3D program atthe step S201 shown in FIG. 32 is also conceivable. In this case, meritssuch as a simplified processing structure are conceivable. However,there is a demerit such as a possibility that 3D video changeoverprocessing will be executed even in the case where a programconfiguration is changed suddenly and the next program does not become a3D program.

A processing flow of the system controller 51 in the case where picturerecording is started when a 3D program is started and it is madepossible for the user to view the program from its beginning at the timewhen the user has completed preparation of the 3D program viewing willnow be described. Processing conducted before the 3D program starts isshown in FIG. 35. Steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG. 35 are the same asthose shown in FIG. 27. However, FIG. 35 differs from FIG. 27 in thatstep S301 is added.

As for concrete operation, recording preparation operation is started(S301) if the next program is a 3D program (yes at S102) and the nextprogram starts in X minutes or less (yes at S103). As for the recordingpreparation operation, it is desirable to execute operations whichbecome preparation stages for recording, such as, for example, HDDstandby state canceling, spin up operation, signal changeover start forrecording, or execution of station selection for recording, at thisstep.

A processing flow of the system controller 51 subsequent to start of the3D program is shown in FIG. 36. The processing flow is similar to thatshown in FIG. 32 until the 3D viewing preparation state of the user isjudged (S201, S202, S204 and S205).

Unless the 3D viewing preparation state is OK thereafter (no at S205),it is judged whether the current program is being recorded. Unless thecurrent program is being recorded (no at S401), recording the currentprogram is started (S402). If the current program is being recorded (yesat S401), the flow proceeds to the next step without conductingprocessing especially.

After recording control has been exercised, the system controller 51displays a message 1601 that a 3D program has been started and the usershould select a subsequent operation to the user (S403), changes overthe video to 2D display (S203), and finishes the processing.

As for an example of user selection judgment method in screen displayshown in FIG. 37, if the user operates a remote controller and depressesa <3D> button on the remote controller or if the user puts the cursorupon “OK/3D” on the screen and depresses an <OK> button on the remotecontroller, the user selection is judged to be “3D changeover.”

Or if the user depresses the <cancel> button or the <return> button onthe remote controller, or if the user puts the cursor upon “cancel” onthe screen and depresses the <OK> on the remote controller, then userselection is judged to be “other than 3D changeover.” Besides this, if,for example, an operation which brings the 3D viewing preparation stateto OK (such as wearing of 3D glasses), the user selection becomes “3Dchangeover.”

A flow of processing executed by the system controller 51 after the userhas conducted the selection is shown in FIG. 38. The system controller51 acquires a result of the user selection from the user instructionreceiver 52 (S501). Unless the user selection is “3D changeover” (no atS502), the system controller 51 conducts 2D display of a video (S503).If the current program is being recorded, then the system controller 51stops the recording (S504) and finishes the processing as it is.

If the user selection is “3D changeover” (yes at S502), the systemcontroller 51 conducts 3D display of a video (S505) and executesreproduction processing from the recording medium to reproduce thecurrent program from its beginning (S506).

Even if the user has not completed the 3D viewing preparation whenstarting program reproduction, it becomes in this way possible to viewthe program in 3D from its beginning after the user has completed the 3Dviewing preparation.

Furthermore, it becomes possible to expressly increase operations whichcan be selected by the user by providing a message “continue 3D” denotedby 1801 in FIG. 39, as the message displayed at S403. In an example ofthe user selection judgment method in this case, the user selection isjudged to be “3D changeover and viewing from beginning,” if the useroperates the remote controller, puts the cursor upon “viewing frombeginning” on the screen and depresses the <OK> button on the remotecontroller.

If the user puts the cursor upon “continue 3D” on the screen anddepresses <OK> on the remote controller, the user selection is judged tobe “3D changeover and continuation of the viewing.” If the user puts thecursor upon “cancel (2D display)” on the screen and depresses <OK> onthe remote controller, the user selection is judged to be “2Dchangeover.”

A flow of processing executed by the system controller 51 after the userhas conducted the selection in this case is shown in FIG. 40. Operationsconducted at steps S501 to S505 are similar to those in FIG. 38. If theuser selection is “3D changeover” (yes at S502), the system controller51 displays the video in 3D (S505) and then determines whether the userselection is viewing from the beginning.

If the user selection is viewing from the beginning (yes at S506),reproduction processing from the recording medium is executed toreproduce the current program from its beginning (S507). Unless the userselection is viewing from the beginning (no at S506), recording of thecurrent program is stopped (S504) and reproduction is conducted from thecontinuation.

In this way, it is possible to select whether the user views the programin 3D from the current continuation, the user views the program in 3Dfrom its beginning, or the user views the program in 2D after the userhas completed the preparation for 3D viewing, according to the result ofthe user selection.

A method for displaying only a specific video and audio withoutdisplaying the video and audio of the program until the user completesthe preparation for 3D viewing will now be described. This is conductedconsidering, for example, the case where a program has started in astate in which the user has not completed the preparation for 3D viewingand the user does not desire to view contents until the preparation iscompleted (because a result is known in, for example, a sports relaybroadcast).

A flow of processing executed by the system controller 51 when a 3Dprogram is started in that case is shown in FIG. 41. The processing flowdiffers from the processing flow shown in FIG. 36 in that a step (S601)for displaying a specific video and audio after the message is displayedat S403 is added.

As for the specific video and audio, for example, a message forprompting the 3D preparation, a black screen, or a still picture of theprogram is mentioned, and silence or music (environmental music) of afixed pattern is mentioned.

The display of a fixed pattern video (a message, an environmental video,a 3D video, or the like) can be implemented by reading out data from theinside of the video decoder device 30, a ROM which is not illustrated,or the recording medium 26, decoding the data in the video decoderdevice 30, and outputting the decoded data from the video decoder device30. The output of the black screen can be implemented by, for example,outputting a video of only a signal which represents the black colorfrom the video decoder device 30 or outputting mute of an output signalor a black video from the screen configuration control device 32.

The fixed pattern audio (silence or environmental music) can beimplemented by reading out data from the inside of the audio decoderdevice 31, a ROM, or the recording medium 26, decoding the data, andoutputting the decoded data, or muting the output signal in the sameway.

Outputting a still picture of the program video can be implemented thesystem controller 51 which instructs the recording/reproducingcontroller 58 to temporarily stop the program reproduction and thevideo. After the user selection is executed, processing of the systemcontroller 51 is executed in the same way as the foregoing descriptionas shown in FIG. 38.

As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the video or audio of theprogram from being output until the user completes the 3D viewingpreparation.

Also in the case where program information of the current program ischanged such as the case where the user conducts the station selectionoperation and changes the CH, the processing flow shown in FIG. 36 orFIG. 41 is executed by the system controller 51. In this case as well,processing similar to that described above is conducted.

In the case where the program has changed over, therefore, a viewingprogram other than a 3D program is displayed in 2D. If the user hascompleted the 3D viewing preparation, the video is changed over to 3Ddisplay. Unless the user has completed the 3D viewing preparation,recording of the current program is executed, the message shown in FIG.37 or 39 is displayed and it becomes possible to select a subsequentoperation. Such an effect is brought about.

As for the recording operation of the 3D program, more power isdissipated as compared with the typical case or the operation loadobstructs the user operation in some cases. In such a case, it becomespossible to set to prevent a 3D program from being automaticallyrecorded by user's previous setting.

An example of user setting screen is shown in FIG. 42. This is a usermenu for setting whether to conduct automatic recording of a 3D program.Reference numeral 2101 denotes a selectable button. If the user selects“OFF,” it becomes possible to prevent the 3D program from beingautomatically recorded. If the user sets “OFF” on this screen, the userinstruction receiver 52 gives a notice of “OFF” of the “3D programautomatic recording” which is set by the user, to the system controller51.

A flow chart of the system controller 51 corresponding to the setting inthe user menu described with reference to FIG. 42 is shown in FIG. 43.The flow chart shown in FIG. 43 differs from the flow charts shown inFIGS. 36 and 41 in the following points. Unless the user's preparationfor 3D is OK (no at S205), the user setting state of the 3D programautomatic recording is checked. If the user setting of the “3D programautomatic recording” is OFF (yes at S701), recording processing at S402is not conducted.

Unless the user desires, it becomes possible in this case to prevent 3Dprogram from being automatically recorded, suppress the powerdissipation, and prevent unnecessary operations from being conducted.

A method for determining whether reproduced contents are a 3D program,checking the 3D preparation state of the user, and conducting processingwhen reproduction from the recording medium is started will now bedescribed. An example of a processing flow of the system controller 51at the time of reproduction start is shown in FIG. 44.

The processing flow shown in FIG. 44 differs from the above-describedprocessing in that there isn't the processing before the program start(FIG. 35), there aren't the current program recording judgment (S401 inFIGS. 36, 41 and 43) and recording processing (S402 in FIGS. 36, 41 and43), and reproduction temporary stop processing (S610) is added.

The processing flow shown in FIG. 44 is similar to the processing shownin FIG. 36 until judgment of the 3D viewing preparation state isconducted (S205). Thereafter, if the 3D viewing preparation state is NG(no at S205), the system controller 51 instructs therecording/reproducing controller 58 to temporarily stop the reproductionoperation (S610). Then, message display as shown in FIG. 37 is conducted(S403), and a specific video and audio is displayed according to amethod similar to that in the processing described with reference toS601 in FIG. 41 (S601).

A flow of processing executed by the system controller 51 after the userhas conducted the selection is shown in FIG. 45. The system controller51 acquires a result of the user selection from the user instructionreceiver 52 (S501). Unless the user selection is “3D changeover” (no atS502), the system controller 51 conducts 2D display of a video (S503).

If the user selection is “3D changeover” (yes at S502), the systemcontroller 51 conducts 3D display of a video (S505). Then, the systemcontroller 51 instructs the recording/reproducing controller 58 toresume the temporarily stopped reproduction operation (S611).

At the time of reproduction from the recording medium, a viewing programother than a 3D program is displayed in 2D in this way. If the user hascompleted the 3D viewing preparation, the video is changed over to 3Ddisplay. Unless the user has completed the 3D viewing preparation,reproduction is stopped temporarily, the message shown in FIG. 37 isdisplayed, and it becomes possible to select a subsequent operation.After the user has selected an operation, a program is reproduced invideo display conformed to the user selection. In the case ofreproduction operation, the reproduction operation is stoppedtemporarily until the user completes the 3D preparation. This bringsabout an effect that wasteful reproduction operation is not conductedand power saving can be implemented.

It is supposed that the current program is a 3D program as a result ofprogram changeover conducted by station selection or the like. If the 3Dviewing preparation state of the user is OK, a 3D video is displayed.Unless the 3D viewing preparation state of the user is OK, a message isdisplayed to prompt 3D viewing preparation. Such an example will now bedescribed. A processing flow of the system controller 51 in this case isshown in FIG. 46.

This processing flow is executed when program information of the currentprogram is changed by, for example, station selection or power on. Theprocessing flow is similar to that shown in FIG. 32 or FIG. 36 until the3D viewing preparation state is judged (S201, S202, S204 and S205).

Then, unless the 3D viewing preparation state is OK (no at S205), thesystem controller 51 displays a message to notify the user that a 3Dprogram has started and urge the user to select a subsequent operationas shown in FIG. 37 (S403), changes over the video to 2D display (S203),and finishes the processing.

As for an example of user selection judgment method in screen displayshown in FIG. 37, if the user operates a remote controller and depressesthe <3D> button on the remote controller or if the user puts the cursorupon “OK/3D” on the screen and depresses the <OK> button on the remotecontroller, the user selection is judged to be “3D changeover.”

Or if the user depresses the <cancel> button or the <return> button onthe remote controller, or if the user puts the cursor upon “cancel” onthe screen and depresses the <OK> on the remote controller, then userselection is judged to be “other than 3D changeover.”

Besides this, if, for example, an operation which brings the 3D viewingpreparation state to OK (such as wearing of 3D glasses), the userselection may be judged to be “3D changeover.”

A flow of processing executed by the system controller 51 after the userhas conducted the selection is shown in FIG. 47. The system controller51 acquires information representing what is selected from the menudisplay by the user, from the user instruction receiver 52 (S501).Unless the user selection is “3D changeover” (no at S502), the systemcontroller 51 conducts 2D display of a video (S503), and finishes theprocessing. If the user selection is “3D changeover” (yes at S502), thesystem controller 51 conducts 3D display of a video (S505) and finishesthe processing.

In the case where the current program is a 3D program as a result ofprogram changeover conducted by user's station selection or the like, itbecomes possible in this way to display a 3D video if the 3D viewingpreparation state of the user is OK, display a 2D video and a messageunless the 3D viewing preparation state of the user is OK, and changeover to a 3D video easily after the user's 3D viewing preparation iscompleted. Furthermore, the user can easily know that the currentprogram is s 3D program. Furthermore, when the 3D viewing preparationstate of the user is already OK, it is possible to prevent the 2D videofrom being changed over unnecessarily, a message from being displayed,and view the 3D program instantly.

In this example, a recorder is not used. Therefore, this example isuseful in, for example, the case where a recorder cannot be used (suchas, for example, the case where resources are insufficient becauseanother program is being recorded or a recorder is not included). Forexample, it is desirable to use this example in the case where recordingoperation is impossible in the processing flow described with referenceto FIG. 36 or FIG. 41.

According to the embodiment described heretofore, the user canpreviously complete 3D viewing preparation with respect to a startportion of a 3D program. Or if the 3D viewing preparation is notcompleted before the start of the 3D program, a recording andreproducing function is used and video display is conducted again afterthe user has completed preparation for viewing the 3D program. In thisway, it becomes possible for the user to view a 3D program in a betterstate. Furthermore, the video display is automatically changed over to adisplay method which is considered to be desirable to the user (forexample, changeover to the 3D video display is conducted when the userdesires to view a 3D video or vice versa). In this way, convenience tothe user can be improved. Similar effects can also be anticipated in thecase where changeover to a 3D program is conducted due to stationselection or in the case where reproduction of a recorded 3D program isstarted.

It should be further understood by those skilled in the art thatalthough the foregoing description has been made on embodiments of theinvention, the invention is not limited thereto and various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention and the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A content outputting apparatus comprising:a network interface configured to receive video content and contentinformation including information which identifies whether video contentto be transmitted via network for next viewing by a viewer includesthree-dimensional video content; a video processing unit configured tochange video processing of video content, and an outputting unitconfigured to output video content in three-dimensional viewing formator in two-dimensional viewing format, wherein, in response todetermining that the received content information indicates that thevideo content to be transmitted for next viewing includesthree-dimensional video content, the outputting unit is configured tooutput indication information indicating the video content to betransmitted for next viewing includes three-dimensional video content,and requesting viewer-determination of whether the video content to betransmitted for next viewing is to be viewed in three-dimensional viewor in two-dimensional view, and the video processing unit configured tochange video processing of the video content to be viewed next accordingto the viewer-determination.
 2. The content outputting apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising an operation instructionreceiving unit configured to receive an operation instruction commandcorresponding to the viewer-determination, wherein the video processingunit is configured to change the video processing of the video contentto be transmitted for next viewing according to the operationinstruction command.
 3. The content outputting apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the content information further comprises informationidentifying a three-dimensional method of the video content to betransmitted via network for next viewing, and the video processing unitis configured to conduct three-dimension video processing, upondetermining that a display apparatus, to which the video content is tobe outputted from the outputting unit, is capable of displayingthree-dimensional video content by the three-dimensional methodindicated by the content information.
 4. A video processing methodcomprising: receiving content information including information whichidentifies whether a video content to be transmitted via network fornext viewing includes a three-dimensional video content; outputtingindication information informing the video content to be transmitted fornext viewing includes a three-dimensional video content, and requestingviewer-determination of whether the video content to be transmitted fornext viewing is to be viewed in three-dimensional view or intwo-dimensional view, upon determining that the content informationindicating that the video content to be transmitted for next viewingincludes a three-dimensional video content; receiving an operationinstruction command corresponding to the viewer-determination;outputting the video content that is processed according to theoperation instruction command.
 5. A video processing method in anoutputting apparatus which outputs video content to a display, the videoprocessing method comprising: receiving content information includinginformation which identifies whether video content to be transmitted vianetwork for next viewing by a viewer includes three-dimensional videocontent and information which identifies a three-dimensional method ofthe video content; outputting indication information indicating thevideo content to be transmitted for next viewing includesthree-dimensional video content, and requesting viewer-determination ofwhether the video content to be transmitted for next viewing is to beviewed in three-dimensional view or in two-dimensional view, upondetermining that the content information indicating that the videocontent to be transmitted for next viewing includes three-dimensionalvideo content; receiving an operation instruction command correspondingto the viewer-determination; outputting the video content processed bythree-dimensional video processing, upon determining that the operationinstruction command instructing the video content to be viewed inthree-dimensional view and that the display, to which the video contentis to be outputted from the outputting unit, is capable of displaying athree-dimensional method identified in the content information.